PD's Johnson to coach stars

Palo Duro girls basketball coach A.J. Johnson has been one of the coaches for the upcoming Texas Association of Basketball Coaches all-star games.

Johnson, who led the Lady Dons to a Class 4A regional semifinal berth during the 1998-99 season, will coach Team I in the Class 4A-5A Division.

The game is scheduled May 7 at Blossom Athletic Complex in San Antonio.

Johnson was told he would be the coach earlier this week and said it's an outstanding honor considering the selection was voted on by his coaching peers.

"I'm really glad to see our entire program get the recognition," Johnson said. "It means more for our program than a personal honor."

Johnson is scheduled to have 10 players on his team. One of his players will be very familiar.

Lady Don star LaKishia Harper was named to the team more than a month ago. Harper has signed to play at Arkansas and has been a huge sparkplug in the Lady Dons' recent success, which included a Class 5A state finalist berth in 1998.

Johnson, a former NAIA all-American, said don't look for his all-star team to be shy.

"It's going to be run-n-gun all the way," Johnson said. "We won't have any set plays, unless it's absolutely necessary."

Johnson will be coaching against Class 4A-5A Team II. Randall senior standout Keisha Cornelius is scheduled to play for Team II.